07 April 2010

Mobile Phone Apps Replicated, Synced
And Controlled Through an In-Vehicle Display

Continental and Nokia are collaborating on a new concept that will enable drivers and passengers to seamlessly connect, display and control mobile phone applications via an in-vehicle dashboard display.

The companies are working together to integrate a new technology, called Terminal Mode, into the automotive and consumer electronics industries. The collaboration between Continental and Nokia is designed to significantly improve the usability of services such as telephony, navigation, social networking and music in an automotive environment while keeping drivers focused on the primary driving task.

"With more than 100 years of experience delivering information to drivers and passengers, Continental is working with Nokia to identify ways to better integrate mobile devices and content into the car while keeping drivers focused on the road," said Kieran O'Sullivan, executive vice president of Continental's Connectivity and Infotainment Business Unit. "The timing of our collaborating is ideal because smartphones and applications continue to proliferate in consumer culture. At the same time, drivers and passengers want to use their mobile phone applications -- like free in-vehicle navigation -- while inside their car. However, displaying navigation information on a small and static mobile phone screen while inside a car is the wrong human machine interface (HMI)," O'Sullivan added.

Earlier this year Nokia announced Ovi Maps, a free navigation application, available for most of its GPS (Global Positioning System) capable smartphones. The application, which contains digital map information from NAVTEQ, enhances the functionality of the mobile device and reduces consumers need for a separate personal navigation device (PND).

"Nokia continues to experience strong demand for the mobile applications available via Ovi. Our goal is to connect people to what matters most to them. To do that, we are exploring how we might better connect consumers to Ovi services and applications while they are inside a car," said Vesa Luiro, Director, Automotive. "Nokia is working together with Continental to explore how we can provide our customer with an enhanced in-vehicle experience by providing access to mobile applications via an automotive enabled HMI. For example, we are investigating together with Continental how the Terminal Mode technology can help present content from the smartphone available via a large in-vehicle color display, enabling the phone to be controlled via touch screens, steering wheel buttons and communicating information such as turn-by-turn directions over an in-vehicle audio system," Luiro added.

Nokia is integrating the Terminal Mode ( TM ) protocol, which is in the final stages of standardization and co-created with CE4A, into future mobile devices. Continental also has identified a variety of approaches that would enable it to integrate Terminal Mode technology into its in-vehicle infotainment products.

Once Terminal Mode technology is embedded into a mobile phone and an automobile, a consumer will be able to connect their mobile device easily to the car using a high-speed USB 2.0 connection. When the device is connected, content that is visible on the mobile phone screen will be replicated, visible and can be controlled via the in-vehicle display or steering wheel controls.

Continental, Nokia and NAVTEQ are committed to providing better connectivity and services to the automotive industry and vehicle owners.